Iranian authorities held public mass wedding ceremonies in Tehran on Monday for couples who have declared they are ready to sacrifice their lives in the war against the United States and Israel, and who are benefiting from a state-backed program.

Held in several major squares across the capital, the ceremonies brought together hundreds of couples. They were broadcast on state television to boost public morale, as US President Donald Trump intensified his threats of new strikes against Iran despite a ceasefire that halted the bombing campaign launched on February 28.

According to the local press, the newlyweds have joined the so-called "self-sacrifice" program ("janfada" in Persian), by which they pledge to risk their lives during the war, notably by participating in human chains in front of power plants.

According to Iranian authorities, millions of people volunteered, including the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and President Massoud Pezeshkian.

AFP images show couples arriving at Imam Hossein Square in military jeeps equipped with machine guns, before getting married in a ceremony presided over by a religious leader.

The setting, adorned with balloons, was dominated by a huge portrait of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since coming to power after the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war.

"The country is at war, but young people also have the right to get married," said a young Iranian woman dressed in a traditional white chador, in a video broadcast by the Mehr news agency.

A young groom in a dark suit rejoiced that this ceremony coincided with the anniversary of the wedding of Imam Ali, revered by Shiite Muslims, and Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad: "We have received their blessing!"

According to Mehr, 110 couples took part in the ceremony held in Imam Hossein Square. AFP images show crowds of supporters, holding roses, attending the event.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Iranian authorities have been organizing large pro-government rallies almost daily in order to stage popular mobilization.